Culture / Art / City

Linz, a city of industry and economic accomplishment, as well as media art and science, can look back on a long history of historical events. Today, as the European Capital of Culture 2009, Linz is a pulsing center of historical charm and international flair. The city was once a Celtic settlement, a Roman fort, the residence of Emperor Friedrich III in the 15th century and in later years became the place of prominent personalities. It was here that astronomer and mathematician Johannes Kepler calculated the laws of planetary motion, where Wolfang Amadeus Mozart and Anton Bruckner composed great symphonies and where famous painter Adalbert Stifter created some of his most famous works. Take yourself on a journey through a unique city.

Ars Electronica Center (15 Min.) is a one-of-a-kind electronic museum of virtual life, providing visitors with glance into the future of electronic evolution.
Lentos Museum of Modern Art (10-15 Min.) with its austere ascetic forefront of glass and exposed concrete and located directly on the banks of the Danube river, the museum features not only classical modern art but contemporary art as well.
Castle Museum (10 Min.) The Upper Austrian State Castle Museum located atop the Renaissance Hill overlooking the city features a unique selection of local and regional art collections.
Old Cathedral, Church of St. Ignatius (5 Min.)- the Jesuit church St Ignatius built by P.F. Carlone and is one of the most impressive baroque structures in the city. Especially noteworthy are the Krismann Organ and the hand-carved choir stalls. Austrian composer Anton Bruckner was the church organist for over 10 years.
Provincial State Government Building (Landhaus) (1 Min.) the provincial state government of Upper Austria and the state parliament are located in this particularly beautiful Renaissance palace. The “Planet Fountain”, decorated with various coats of arms, stands in the middle of an impressive arcade courtyard and is iconographic in significance. Outdoor concerts are held here in the summer.
Main Town Square (Hauptplatz) (3 Min.) 220 meters long and 60 meters wide, the main square in Linz, with its numerous baroque and rococo facades is one of the most beautiful squares in central Europe. Numerous cafes adorn the square and invite you to stay and linger.
Cathedral of the Virgin Mary (5 Min.) the neo-gothic basilica Cathedral of the Virgin Mary, the tallest church in Austria, is reminiscent of the Cathedral of St. Stephan in Vienna.
Pöstlingberg (30 min by public transportation) located 537 meters high atop Linz Hausberg, the baroque basilica pilgrimage church boasts the steepest non gear wheel railway in Europe.

Additional Information / Current Events can be found at:
www.touristik.at
www.genussland.at
www.linz.at
www.hotspots-linz.at